Calculating Planck Constant and Work Function in Photoelectric Experiment

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In summary, during a photoelectric experiment using a sodium surface, a stopping potential of 1.85V was found for a wavelength of 300nm and a stopping potential of 0.820V was found for a wavelength of 400nm. From this data, the value for the Planck constant can be calculated using the equation h=E/(c/Lambda). The work function for sodium can also be determined by manipulating the equation E_{photon} = K + \phi and solving for the kinetic energy of an ejected electron. Finally, the cutoff wavelength for sodium can be found by solving 2 equations in 2 unknowns (h and \phi) using the provided formula.
  • #1
georgeh
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In a photoelecric experiment in which a sodium surface is used, you find a stopping potential of 1.85V for a wavelength of 300nm, and a stopping potential of 0.820V for a wavelength of 400nm. From these data find (a) a value for the Planck constant, (b) the work function for sodium, and (c) the cutoff wavelength for sodium.
I tried solving (a) by stating the following
E=nh*f
h=E/f
h=E/(c/Lambda)
h=e*lamba/c ( i let n = 1)
And we know that K_max=e*delta V, where e is the Elementary charge, and DeltaV is the stopping potential.
I assumed that all the Energy is transffered to K_MAX
thus,
H=e*deltaV*lambda/C
The units end up working out, but the solution is wrong.
Anyone know what am i messing up on?
The rest of the question, i believe i can get once I solve this correctly
 
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  • #2
Well you're assumption was incorrect. There is a certain energy called the work function that has to be overcome before an electron can be ejected.

[tex]E_{photon} = K + \phi [/tex]

You can manipulate this equation to determine the equation for the kinetic energy of an ejected electron and it follows the form y=mx+b. The m will be your slope and it will actually be Planck's constant
 
  • #3
m will be the slope...when x represents the frequency and y represents the KE (stopping potential * e).

Alternatively, using the formula provided by Pengwuino for each of the two events you end up with 2 equations in 2 unknowns (h and [itex]\phi[/itex]). You know how to solve that.
 

FAQ: Calculating Planck Constant and Work Function in Photoelectric Experiment

What is stopping voltage?

Stopping voltage, also known as threshold voltage, is the minimum voltage required to stop the emission of electrons from a metal surface in the photoelectric effect.

How is stopping voltage measured?

Stopping voltage can be measured by gradually increasing the voltage applied to the metal surface and observing the point at which the emission of electrons stops.

What factors affect the value of stopping voltage?

The value of stopping voltage is affected by the frequency of the incident light, the work function of the metal surface, and the intensity of the incident light.

Why is stopping voltage important in the photoelectric effect?

Stopping voltage is important because it provides a direct relationship between the frequency of the incident light and the energy of the emitted electrons, as described by the equation Emax = hf - φ, where Emax is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons, h is Planck's constant, f is the frequency of the incident light, and φ is the work function of the metal surface.

How does stopping voltage support the particle nature of light?

The observation that the stopping voltage is directly proportional to the frequency of the incident light supports the particle nature of light, as it shows that the energy of the electrons emitted is dependent on the frequency of the incident light, rather than its intensity as predicted by the wave model of light.

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